Historic Designations and Landmarks

A local historic landmark is a property so-designated by the Historical Preservation Board as a property of special significance in terms of its historical, prehistorical, architectural, or cultural importance; and that possesses integrity of design, setting, workmanship, materials, feeling, and association.

Historic Landmark recognition and preservation are in the public interest and serve to promote the welfare of the community.

Property owners can apply to have their property designated as a local historic landmark.

• The program began in 1983 and currently lists 138 local designated landmarks.
• Structures must be at least 50 years old and exemplify historic value through cultural, economic or social criteria.
• A tax abatement is available for 50 percent of City ad valorem taxes when a structure is designated as a local landmark.

Public & Municipal Sites

Residential Sites

Commercial Sites

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation. This list can include historic districts or individual properties. The National Register is administered by the National Park Service through each State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and was authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

Benefits

Listing on the National Register allows recognition of our most important historic resources and provides access to federal and state tax credits for rehabilitation of these properties. National Register listing does not include any restrictions on the use, treatment, transfer, or disposition of private property. However, properties that utilize federal or state tax credits must comply with Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the required period of time. Both of Tyler's Local Historic Districts overlap with some portion of a National Register Historic District.

For information about National Register nomination, or state and federal tax credits, contact the SHPO at (512) 463-6100 or visit the Texas Historical Commission website.

The Half Mile of History plaques have been removed due to construction for the Downtown Improvement Project. We will share once we have more information about their new homes. In the meantime, tour the Half Mile of History Virtually!

The Half Mile of History was a permanent, outdoor, half-mile loop that surrounded the square in the heart of Downtown Tyler. Stone plaques were placed in the sidewalk along this path to commemorate significant people, places or events.

Nominations

The nomination form requires a narrative of up to two pages that describes the historical contribution of the nominee. The nominee's contribution to the history of the community must have been made no fewer than 25 years ago.

Possible areas that nominees may have contributed to could include, but are not limited to, agriculture, architecture, arts/culture, aviation, business, community service, education, entertainment/media, industry, invention/innovation, law, medicine, oil/gas, philanthropy, religion, science, sports and transportation.

The Historical Preservation Board will consider recommendations for the Half Mile of History based upon the nominee's enduring impact on the community, county, region, nation or the world. Nominations will be presented to the Historical Preservation Board for final consideration.

Nomination Form(PDF, 155KB)

The Historical Marker Program commemorates diverse topics from the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and events that changed the course of local history, to individuals who have made lasting contributions to our city, community organizations, businesses, military sites, and many more.

• Subject Markers provide education through revealing the community's historical background.
• They are placed on the site associated with the historical significance outline on the marker.
• The markers serve a vital part of Tyler's heritage by conveying stories of local, regional, state and national history.
• A local subject marker can be proposed for any topic which does not have an existing state or national subject marker.

What is the purpose of an Historic District Overlay?

A Historic District Overlay is intended to establish and preserve structures, sites or areas that have outstanding historical and cultural significance. It is not intended to limit the development of undeveloped lands.

What are the criteria for an Historic District Overlay?

A proposed Historic Overlay District must comply with the following criteria:

1. Significance in history, architecture, archaeology or culture; and
2. Association with certain events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local, regional, state or national history; and
3. Association with the lives of significant persons in the past; and
4. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of an architectural or engineering type, period or method of construction; and
5. Represents the work of a master designer, builder or craftsman; and
6. Represents an established and familiar feature of the community.

Historic Overlay District Petition Application Process

1. Petition to Planning Department
2. Public Hearing Notice (15 days, mailed)
3. Public Hearing at the Historical Preservation Board and Recommendation from the Board
4. Public Hearing Notice (15 days, mailed)
5. Public Hearing at the Planning and Zoning Commission and Recommendation from the Commission.
6. Public Hearing Notice (15 days, mailed)
7. Action taken by City Council during a Council Meeting

Designation Authority

Designation of a HD-O may be accomplished by ordinance of the City Council if all of the following requirements are met:

1. A petition to the Planning Department containing the signatures of at least 75% of the property owners located within the proposed HD-O; and
2. A recommendation for approval by the Historical Preservation Board; and
3. Favorable vote of a simple majority of the members of the City Council.

Notes

Nothing contained in the designation of a property as a HD-O shall affect the use of the property, and all uses shall be governed by the zoning use districts established by the Unified Development Code(PDF, 75KB).